Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology

Course summary for international students

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Fees and charges
• Career opportunities
• Course rules
• Major sequences
• Course structure
• Entry requirements - general
• Credit for prior learning - general
• How to apply

Course overview

Deakin University’s Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology is the only combined course in Victoria which provides the opportunity to study forensic science and criminology as a combined course.

The course has been designed to enable graduates to work both in specialised fields and across professional boundaries. It is contemporary and relevant, with teaching staff who are active researchers in their respective fields. 

You will learn both arts and science traditions, giving you a broad appreciation of the professional, social, economic and cultural contexts of the forensic science and criminology disciplines.

You will have the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques essential to modern forensic science, including the examination and presentation of scientific evidence and courtroom skills. The course will also give you practical, professional training to enable you to study critical analysis in the fields of policing, security, corrections, crime prevention and community safety, and various paralegal fields.

In your forensic science studies you can choose to major in Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry. Other areas of study in the course include topics such as forensic analysis and interpretation, the criminal justice system, crime prevention and security, and designing and conducting criminological research.

Graduates may also have the opportunity to go on to further study and enter honours and postgraduate programs.

Students and graduates of this course are eligible to apply for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS).

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

Fees and charges

Fee paying place - International (IFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the University does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.

Fees for international students apply to persons living in Australia with Temporary Resident status, provided that there is no limitation on study and persons living abroad who are not Australian citizens and do not have Permanent Resident status in Australia.

Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.

* The 'indicative annual course fee' cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2014, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2014 can be viewed from the Unit Search.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on 'indicative course fees' to calculate the total future cost of their course.

Back to top

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this course, you may find employment opportunities as a forensic scientist, criminologist or related role, in both the public and private sector, including areas such as the forensic science industry, science-based industries, teaching, government agencies, state and federal police, ASIO, correctional services, community services, and private security industries.

Back to top

Course rules

This combined course comprises 32 credit points of study. Students will undertake 16 credit point in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment and 16 credit points in the Faculty of Arts and Education course-grouped units. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Forensic Science (S324) and Bachelor of Criminology (A329) must be satisfied.

Forensic Science requirements (16 cp):

• At least 16 credit points of Science course-grouped units;
• 10 credit points of core Forensic Science units (plus 2 other core units shared with Criminology – ACR101 and ACR102);
• Successful completion of SLE010 – Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 cp);
• Successful completion of a major sequence in either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology;
• At least 4 credit points of Science course-grouped units at level 3;
• Up to 6 credit points of Science course-grouped units at level 1; and
• 2 credit points of Science course-grouped electives.

 Criminology requirements (16 cp):

• Students must complete 16 credit points of study from the Faculty of Arts and Education including at least 12 credit points of ACR coded units, including the core units of ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302.

Back to top

Major sequences

Forensic Chemistry

Forensic Biology

Back to top

Course structure

Bachelor of Forensic Science

Core Units

^Note: Students who have completed Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent may choose to replace SLE133 Chemistry in Our World with an elective unit.

Forensic Biology - Additional core units for major

Forensic Chemistry- Additional core units for major

Bachelor of Criminology units

* ACR212, ACR213 Trimester 1 (alternate years 2014, 2016) and trimester 3 (alternate years 2015, 2017)

** ACR210, ACR211 Trimester 3 (alternate years 2014, 2016) and trimester 1 (alternate years 2015, 2017)

^ SLE010 is a 0-credit-point compulsory unit

Back to top

Entry requirements - general

General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate admission requirements table (194kb).
Some courses may have additional entry requirements.
Students must also meet the undergraduate English language requirements.

Back to top

Credit for prior learning - general

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit for prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit for prior learning.
Your credit for prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

You can also refer to the Credit for Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Back to top

How to apply

• Applicant Portal: Use our online application system to submit and track your application now OR
• Apply through a Deakin International office: Fill out an application form and submit it to a Deakin International office OR
• Apply through a Deakin representative: Take your application form to your preferred agent for assistance.

Tracking your application
If you have already applied and wish to enquire about your application please refer to the relevant area through which you originally applied.

• If you applied through a Deakin representative please contact your representative.
• If you applied through a Deakin International office please contact deakin-int-admissions@deakin.edu.au